7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard fixture in the home that we use daily. It’s easy to take its utility as something we take for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s no garbage can. There are some things that should never be flushed down the drain since they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the toilet, as they could cause blockages in the drain or harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
There are 7 household things you shouldn’t flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient however, they do not break down as easily as toilet paper, and they can block water lines. You should dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease should be disposed of in a container before throwing it away in the trash, because they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them can cause issues later on when they combine with other items to cause a terrible clog.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough and durable, meaning it won’t split in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave, which means they are less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are they are wet. This means that they will not easily blockage.
If you flush any of these seven items could result in blocked drains as well as damaged pipes within your plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to you. Be mindful of the items you put down the drain.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
FAQs
Can flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not break down in water and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet as they do not dissolve quickly and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and will not break down so easily, resulting in potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush those in the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, so it’s essential to dispose of them correctly by taking the containers to an appropriate place for drop-off.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing assistance at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We provide unblocking blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure that your home remains free from issues with drainage. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Bid farewell to a Blocked Shower Drain with The following Comprehensive Guide
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- An Easy DIY Guide to Unblocking Your Clogged Drains
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Drain Maintenance 101: A Decade of Simple Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
